American black elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size5 to 12 feet tall5 to 12 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American black elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a shrub for borders, hedges, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet soil of most types. It grows 5 to 12 feet tall and wide with an arching habit. Fragrant white flowers draw butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and birds.
Pairs well with Black chokeberry, Meadowsweet, and Indian grass.
Native range
North America and south to Bolivia.